HAYMARKET — Carried to Full Term, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping expectant mothers, will expand.
The organization said its new program is geared toward helping low-income mothers get back on their feet. Founder Frances Robin said the goal is to break the cycle of poverty by adequately preparing expecting mothers for a life of independence and self-sufficiency.
DUMFRIES — Environmental experts are warning of a potential catastrophe if the coal ash at Possum Point and other toxic Virginia coal ash ponds is left as it currently is, in unlined pits.
Recycling industry experts say there is a market for the ash — the substance left over after coal is burned to make electricity — to use in products like concrete and wallboard.
MANASSAS PARK — The somber message from everyone involved with the drug epidemic resonated clearly: Opioid addiction continues to be a growing problem in the Prince William County area that cuts across all demographic distinctions, costing lives and wreaking havoc in its wake.
More than 80 people gathered Nov. 17 at the Manassas Park Community Center to assess the scope of the current opioid crisis as well as ways to combat it. They heard from law enforcement officers, health care professionals, elected officials and people whose lives have been devastated by opioid drugs.
In the wake of Amazon’s announcement to build its second headquarters (dubbed HQ2) in Arlington’s Crystal City neighborhood, real estate prices are projected to soar and officials are mixed on how to ensure affordable housing for Northern Virginia residents.
Finding housing in a rapidly growing community has been a concern in the area for years. A recent survey conducted by Suburban Virginia Republican Coalition (SUV GOP) found that suburban residents in the area named affordable housing as one of their four key issues, in addition to commuter transportation, property taxes, and education.
MANASSAS — Delegate Lee Carter’s seat is up for election next year, and Manassas City Councilman Ian Lovejoy plans to run for it.
Lovejoy will announce his campaign on Saturday night at 7 p.m. at a small gathering in his house in Manassas.
BRISTOW — Those working to protect and improve Prince William County’s rural area say it will be a campaign issue in 2019.
But it could be until 2020 before voters see policies reviewed and action is taken, they add.
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY — Stanley Bender was the independent third-party candidate in a Special Election on Nov. 6 for Prince William County School Board Chairman At-large.
He was a long shot, having raised no money, erecting no campaign signs, and participating in just two of three election forums held prior to the vote.
OCCOQUAN — A loud noise is expected to rattle residents along the Occoquan River.
Fairfax Water will test the Occoquan Dam Siren from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 14. Residents, they say, shouldn’t be concerned.
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY — The 13th high school to be built in Prince William County in an effort to ease overcrowding is predicted to be a success — sort of.
The new high school, to be built on Progress Court near Jiffy Lube Live, is scheduled to open in 2021. Accommodating more than 2,500 students and a price tag of $133.4 million, it is expected to ease the crowded conditions at Battlefield, Patriot and Stonewall high schools.
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY — Assistant housekeeper Debra Haley has worked at the Hampton Inn on Williamson Boulevard near Manassas for 25 years.
“I’ve been here for 25 years, and I’m 62,” Haley said. “I’m going to try to stay here for four more years so that I can retire.”
